Nick Cafardo, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB J.R. Redmond (ribs) sat out of practice Sunday, August 10. With the Patriots' running back situation up in the air, Redmond said he is close to returning.

Updating previous reports, the Boston Herald reports New England Patriots RB J.R. Redmond (ribs) was still sidelined Monday, August 4, and will not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the New York Giants.

Kevin Mannix, of the Boston Herald, reports that New England Patriots RB J.R. Redmond (ribs) is in danger of losing playing time, and, perhaps, his spot on the Patriots roster. Redmond, who missed practice on Monday, August 4 with sore ribs, has been inconsistent thus far in training camp. ``J.R. has shown the ability to perform in all areas - first and second downs, third downs, the kicking game,'' said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. ``He's got some versatility. But the big thing J.R. will need to do is to define and establish something for himself in one of those areas. He just hasn't shown it consistently for one reason or another."

The Boston Globe reports agent Kennard McGuire will ask the New England Patriots to release RB J.R. Redmond from the last year of his contract, as soon as the 2002 season is over. "J.R. needs a chance to go someplace where he can get some playing time and show his abilities," said the agent. McGuire knows the Patriots will tell him they will assess all personnel matters at the end of the season. Redmond has carried the ball only four times for 2 yards and has caught only two passes for 5 yards.

Paul Kenyon reports for the Providence JournalNew England Patriots RB Kevin Faulk has done a good job of filling in for RB J.R. Redmond. "Kevin's stepped in and done a nice job," coach Bill Belichick said. "I think he's been a good compliment of Antowain (Smith). They both have good running skills, but they're different styles." Faulk will have another job Sunday, that of the emergency quarterback behind Brady and Damon Huard.